Direct Current (DC) Load Bank
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), under the Department of the Navy, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry capabilities for producing a Direct Current (DC) Load Bank. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The load bank is intended for electrical load testing of systems including a Lightweight Energy Storage System with a Lithium-Ion 6T battery and a Lightweight DC generator. Responses are due March 20, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI aims to gather information on industry capacity and existing products for a DC Load Bank. It is not a Request for Proposals, and no final solicitation exists. The government seeks concise product descriptions and examples to find a solution for electrical load testing.
Key Requirements
- Provide up to a 1.8 kW load to a DC generator and discharge a Lithium-Ion 6T MIL-PRF-32565C compliant battery.
- Tentative Design Criteria:
- Provide a 2.4 kW load in 300-Watt increments (4kW Objective).
- Operating voltage at 28VDC (default) and adjustable 22-30 VDC (Objective).
- Operate in worldwide environments (MIL-STD-810H), including temperatures from -25°F to 125°F.
- IP65 rating (IP54 may be considered if cost savings are significant).
- Survive shock, vibration, and an 18-inch drop while maintaining operational capability.
- Total system weight less than 44 lbs (tradeoffs required if heavier).
- Preference for power from the 28VDC bus; tradeoffs required if operating off AC power.
- Power connection via a NATO Slave Receptacle compliant with STANAG 4074.
Submission & Evaluation
- Responses are due no later than March 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time Zone.
- Submit responses via email as a PDF attachment to anthony.fennell@usmc.mil.
- A cover page with Business Name, Address, Business Size, Point of Contact, Phone Number, and Email Address is required.
- Vendors must answer specific questions in the "Vendor Survey for Direct Current Load Bank," including cost estimates for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and production units, production timelines, facility descriptions, past performance examples, supply chain vulnerabilities, and any design criteria that cannot be met.
- This RFI does not constitute a commitment to procure, and no reimbursement will be made for response costs.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: March 20, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: February 17, 2026
- Place of Performance: Quantico, VA
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Vendors are asked to identify if they qualify as an SBA 8(a) Program, HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, or participant of the Government Ability One Program.
Contact Information
- Primary: Anthony G. Fennell (anthony.fennell@usmc.mil)
- Secondary: Janice Harvey (janice.harvey@usmc.mil)